{"id":52845,"date":"2023-09-25T14:14:54","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T18:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?p=52845"},"modified":"2023-10-19T10:23:32","modified_gmt":"2023-10-19T14:23:32","slug":"threads-of-transformation-reflecting-on-five-years-of-the-wilson-college-of-textiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2023\/09\/threads-of-transformation-reflecting-on-five-years-of-the-wilson-college-of-textiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Threads of Transformation: Reflecting on Five Years of the Wilson College of Textiles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

In the heart of the Wilson College of Textiles, a profound and enduring legacy is unfolding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fall marks five years since the Wilsons \u2014 a multigenerational NC State University textiles family \u2014 made a transformative gift of $28 million to their alma mater in 2018. This remarkable act of generosity did more than solely name the Wilson College of Textiles<\/a> in perpetuity; it breathed new life into the college’s unyielding spirit of innovation and unwavering commitment to advancing the textile industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWords cannot express the gratitude that our community feels for the Wilson family and their lifelong investment in textiles education, innovation and research,\u201d says David Hinks, who serves as dean of the Wilson College of Textiles and the Cone Mills Distinguished Professor of Textile Chemistry. \u201cFrom the day it was made, this gift has enabled the Wilson College to be a driving force in transforming lives and the U.S. textiles industry. In turn, our college has become an even stronger sustainable force for good for our society, in North Carolina and globally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an unrestricted gift, the Wilsons\u2019 support has been channeled toward the college\u2019s strategic priorities and greatest needs, from student scholarships and fellowships, to faculty funding and cutting-edge equipment.

This is precisely the impact that Frederick \u201cFred\u201d Wilson Jr. \u201961, the family\u2019s patriarch and their first Textiles graduate, wanted to make. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It was very important to give back to the institution that had provided me with the foundation and tools to be successful. It is my hope that this is the spark that fuels future generations to give back and continue to support the Wilson College of Textiles.”

\u2014 Fred Wilson Jr. ’61<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"Frederick
Wilson College of Textiles alumnus Fred Wilson Jr. ’61 looked forward to meeting with Chancellor Randy Woodson while visiting The Point, located on NC State’s Centennial Campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis came at a vital time when other universities had dissolved their textile programs, and there was an immediate need to secure the future of NC State’s textiles college,\u201d Fred says, beaming. \u201cIt was very important to give back to the institution that had provided me with the foundation and tools to be successful. It is my hope that this is the spark that fuels future generations to give back and continue to support the Wilson College of Textiles.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When speaking with the family during a recent visit to campus in September, Chancellor Randy Woodson reflected on the long-term impact of their generosity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe gift is not just a testament to Fred\u2019s and the Wilson family\u2019s deep-rooted commitment. This generous act reaffirms the Wilson College\u2019s dedication to excellence and innovation,\u201d Chancellor Woodson says. \u201cTextiles have been an important part of our legacy for over a century, and the family’s investment has empowered us to continue that tradition of preparing students to thrive in the invigorated textile industry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Members
Members of the Wilson family \u2014 Fred Wilson ’61, Cres Wilson Calabrese ’89, Rick Wilson ’87, Rede Wilson ’16, Barbara Wilson, Mike Calabrese, Sondra Wilson, Michael Calabrese and Sarah Butler \u2014 were joined by Dean David Hinks, Mr. Wuf, Ms. Wuf and nine spirited students from the Wilson College of Textiles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Wilson Textile Tradition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the fall of 1957, Fred took his first steps on NC State\u2019s sprawling campus, overjoyed to study at the then School of Textiles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some would say that textiles ran in Fred\u2019s blood, given his family\u2019s strong ties to the industry. In 1938, his father, the late Frederick Eugene Wilson Sr., founded Piedmont Chemical Industries<\/a> \u2014 a High Point-based company now known as the Syntha Group<\/a>, which has expanded to include five subsidiaries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While he was a student on campus, Fred\u2019s schedule was jam-packed. He balanced his time as a textile chemistry major and the leader of several student organizations, including Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Tau Sigma, Phi Eta Sigma, Phi Psi, the Tompkins Textile Council, and the American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemists. He would go on to graduate in 1961.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Fred
Fred Wilson Jr. ’61 was featured in the 1961 edition of NC State’s yearbook, the Agromeck. Credit: University Libraries<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

More than two decades later, his children, Frederick \u201cRick\u201d Wilson III \u201987 and Elizabeth Creswell \u201cCres\u201d Wilson Calabrese \u201989, would walk across that same commencement stage to earn their own textile chemistry degrees. In 2016, Fred\u2019s grandson and Rick\u2019s son, Frederick \u201cRede\u201d Eugene Wilson IV, continued the family tradition by completing his polymer and color chemistry<\/a> degree. On May 4, 2024, Michael Calabrese, Cres\u2019 stepson, will become the fifth member of the Wilson family to earn a textiles degree; a B.S. in fashion and textile management<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Cres
The Wolfpack tradition continued in 1989 when Cres Wilson Calabrese followed in the footsteps of her father, Fred Wilson ’61, and brother, Rick Wilson ’87, to earn her textile chemistry degree from NC State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Today, all four graduates work for Syntha Group. Rick serves as the firm\u2019s CEO, Cres leads as vice chairman and chief strategy officer, Rede holds a position as the company\u2019s sales manager, and Fred maintains his position as chairman of the board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The industry that connects them all \u2014 textiles \u2014 continues to be a part of their DNA, and their transformational gift to name their alma mater will forever be a point of pride for the Wilson family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe love this university, and we love this college,\u201d Rick emphasizes. \u201cIt has played a huge role in shaping both our family and our business. We wanted to make certain that our school had the assets necessary to maintain its position as the best textiles college on the planet. The gift was both an expression of gratitude for what this school has meant to our family and an expression of our confidence in the staff, faculty, academic programs, research and facilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
In 2019, Fred Wilson ’61 was named the esteemed recipient of a Distinguished Alumni Award by the Wilson College of Textiles. He was honored during the NC State Alumni Association\u2019s annual Evening of Stars Gala, where he is pictured with his family. From left to right: Michael Calabrese, Mike Calabrese, Rick Wilson ’87, Cres Wilson Calabrese ’89, Fred Wilson ’61, Barbara Wilson, Rede Wilson ’16 and William Davis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For Cres and Rede, that deep-seated school pride has blossomed into sharing the gift of their time and talents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cres proudly serves as the secretary of the North Carolina Textile Foundation\u2019s board of directors<\/a>. In this role, she provides expert insight to the dean and serves as a passionate steward of the foundation<\/a>, which is the philanthropic arm of the Wilson College of Textiles and makes the college\u2019s groundbreaking, industry-leading work possible. From 2019 to 2021, Rede led the Dean\u2019s Young Alumni Leadership Council<\/a> as co-president. His invaluable leadership in the areas of alumni engagement and fundraising has supported Dean Hinks since the council\u2019s establishment in 2017 when Rede first joined. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The U.S. textile industry will continue to be supplied with the talent and support it needs to remain successful. And more students will have the opportunity to be educated and trained in a world-class facility, regardless of their background or economic status. It truly means a bigger and brighter future for so many people.”

\u2014 Cres Wilson Calabrese ’89<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis five-year milestone means that the North Carolina Textile Foundation can provide the Wilson College with the support it needs to ensure future growth. Our college can continue to attract and retain top-notch faculty, staff and students,\u201d Cres shares. \u201cThe U.S. textile industry will continue to be supplied with the talent and support it needs to remain successful. And more students will have the opportunity to be educated and trained in a world-class facility, regardless of their background or economic status. It truly means a bigger and brighter future for so many people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n